On March 7th, Governor Greg Abbott revealed that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has allocated over $553,000 in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants to three schools in the San Antonio area. These grants aim to bolster career and technical education (CTE) programs by facilitating the purchase and installation of equipment to train more than 350 students in sought-after professions such as network and computer systems administrators, human factors engineers, and chefs.
Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of investing in the workforce to ensure Texans have the necessary skills for success, stating, "With more Texans working than ever before, it is critical that we continue to invest in our workforce to ensure hardworking Texans have the skills they need to thrive."
TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel echoed these sentiments, underscoring the commission's commitment to equipping Texans with the resources for successful careers in high-demand fields. He stated, "These JET grants will enable more than 350 students across the San Antonio area to fill critical roles in the Texas economy and meet the needs of Texas employers."
The grants were presented earlier today by TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza at a ceremony attended by state and local officials, school staff, and CTE students at the Alamo Colleges District – Palo Alto College campus.
The breakdown of the grants is as follows:
- Alamo Colleges District – Palo Alto College: $254,109 grant to train 84 students as network and computer systems administrators.
- Judson Independent School District: $254,847 grant to train 150 students as human factors engineers and ergonomists in partnership with Alamo Colleges District – Northeast Lakeview College.
- Lytle Independent School District: $44,659 grant to train 120 students as chefs and head cooks in partnership with Alamo Colleges District – St. Phillip’s College.
Funded by the Texas Legislature, TWC utilizes JET grants to cover start-up expenses for developing CTE programs in public community, state, and technical colleges, school districts, and charter schools. The equipment acquired through these grants is designated for training students for careers in high-demand occupations.
